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Swan Upping

The ritual known as Swan Upping dates back to the 12th century when the ownership of all unmarked mute swans in open water in Britain was claimed by the Crown in order to ensure a ready supply for feasts.

When a brood of cygnets is sighted, a cry of "All up" is made to signal that the boats should get into position.

A cygnet prepares to be weighed and measured (Image: Leon Neal/Getty Images)

The swans, usually two parent birds and three cygnets, are then weighed, ringed and checked for signs of disease or injury.

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"In addition to the natural predators the swans face every day, there has been a disappointing increase in reported dog attacks that have caused immense and unnecessary suffering and deaths within the mute swan population."

The swans and young cygnets are assessed for any signs of injury or disease (Image: Leon Neal/Getty Images)

"Furthermore, we have had reports of eggs being stolen, nesting swans being attacked by vandals and swans being shot," he said.

"We ask members of the public who walk their dogs in the vicinity of nesting swans or young cygnets to please keep their dogs under control.

"These attacks are so easily avoided and they cause such devastation to the swan population."

The annual event will finish at Abingdon Bridge in Oxfordshire on Friday (July 21).

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